Dorset is world-famous for its Jurassic Coast, beautiful beaches and charming villages, but there’s a quirkier side to this coastal county too. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual beach days and clifftop walks, Dorset delivers plenty of memorable and unusual experiences.
Staying at one of our Dorset holiday parks such as Sandford, Warmwell or West Bay puts you within easy reach of historic curiosities, eccentric competitions and rare wildlife encounters. Here are six unusual things to try on your next Dorset break.
1. Step inside history at The Tank Museum
Located in Bovington, The Tank Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of tanks - nearly 300 in total - including the world’s oldest surviving combat tank and the only working German Tiger I. The museum’s origins date back to 1923, inspired by a visit from Rudyard Kipling.
If you’re visiting during the school holidays, the Tanks in Action displays are a must-see. Watch armoured vehicles thunder across the arena, complete with engine roars and simulated explosions. With much of the museum indoors, it’s also a perfect rainy-day option.
2. See the Cerne Abbas Giant
Just outside the village of Cerne Abbas stands one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks: the Cerne Abbas Giant. This enormous chalk hill figure has been etched into the hillside for centuries, though its exact age and purpose remain a mystery.
The best views are from the aptly named Giant’s View Car Park, or you can walk up close for that one-of-a-kind holiday selfie. While the visit itself is short, the surrounding countryside offers lovely spots for a picnic or a scenic stroll.
3. Enter the World Nettle Eating Competition
Only in Britain could eating stinging nettles be considered a sport. Every June, The Bottle Inn hosts the World Nettle Eating Competition. Contestants have one hour to strip and eat as many nettle leaves as possible, with the winner crowned Nettle King or Queen.
Even if you don’t fancy taking part, there’s live music, drinks and delicious food stalls to enjoy. It’s a wonderfully eccentric way to spend a summer’s day in Dorset.
4. Take on the Gold Hill Cheese Run
Part of the Shaftesbury Food & Drink Festival, the Gold Hill Cheese Run challenges competitors to race uphill carrying hefty truckles of cheese. Unlike the famous downhill cheese chase in Gloucestershire, this one tests endurance over speed, as Gold Hill’s cobbled slope is steep and unforgiving.
Kids can join in too, carrying lightweight replica cheeses, so it’s a fun family spectacle whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines.
5. Wander through a ghost village
Tyneham, abandoned in 1943 when the army took over the land for training, remains frozen in time. The former residents never returned, leaving behind empty cottages, a schoolhouse and a quaint church.
As the village is on Ministry of Defence land, it is only open to the public on most weekends and public holidays, so check opening times before your visit. Combine your trip with a walk to the nearby secluded Worbarrow Bay for a peaceful picnic spot.
6. Be surrounded by swans at Abbotsbury Swannery
Founded by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, Abbotsbury Swannery is the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans. Home to over 600 birds, it’s especially enchanting in spring when fluffy cygnets hatch.
As well as the swans, you can get lost in the UK’s largest willow maze or explore the nearby Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. It’s an unforgettable wildlife encounter for all ages.
FAQs
What is the weirdest thing to do in Dorset?
The World Nettle Eating Competition in Bridport is certainly one of the quirkiest. Every June, contestants eat stinging nettle leaves to win the title of Nettle King or Queen, with live music and cider tasting adding to the fun.
Where can I see the Cerne Abbas Giant?
You can view the Cerne Abbas Giant from the Giant’s View Car Park or by walking towards the hillside figure. It’s around a 30 minute drive from Warmwell Holiday Park, or 40 minutes from Sandford and West Bay holiday parks.
Is Tyneham worth visiting?
Yes - Tyneham is Dorset’s famous ghost village, abandoned during World War II and untouched since. It’s open most weekends and offers a fascinating step back in time, plus you can walk to nearby Worbarrow Bay.
Where is the Gold Hill Cheese Run?
The Gold Hill Cheese Run is held in Shaftesbury during the town’s annual Food & Drink Festival. Competitors race uphill carrying large truckles of cheese on the steep cobbled Gold Hill - the same one featured in the classic 1970s Hovis advert.
What’s special about Abbotsbury Swannery?
It’s the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans, founded by monks in the 11th century. You can see over 600 swans and even watch cygnets hatching in spring, plus explore a giant willow maze and nearby subtropical gardens.
What’s a good rainy-day activity in Dorset?
The Tank Museum in Bovington is mostly indoors and offers an incredible collection of nearly 300 tanks, plus interactive displays and live demonstrations during school holidays.
Ready to explore Dorset’s quirks?
Whether you’re marvelling at tanks, meeting chalk giants or watching unusual competitions, Dorset’s offbeat attractions promise plenty of fun. Make your base at one of our three Dorset holiday parks for easy access to these unique days out - and all the coastal beauty Dorset is known for.